hobbesian: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Academic
Quick answer
What does “hobbesian” mean?
Relating to the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes or his theories.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes or his theories.
Characterized by a view of human nature as fundamentally selfish and competitive, requiring strong, often authoritarian, government to prevent a chaotic 'state of nature' or 'war of all against all'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Potentially higher frequency of use in British academic contexts due to Hobbes's historical context.
Connotations
Consistently evokes the philosophical theories of Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679).
Frequency
Rare in general usage; appears almost exclusively in academic, political theory, and intellectual history contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “hobbesian” in a Sentence
Hobbesian view of [something (e.g., human nature, politics)]Hobbesian in [its/her/his/their] outlookVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hobbesian” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His analysis presented a decidedly Hobbesian account of international relations.
American English
- The novel depicts a Hobbesian state of nature following societal collapse.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in political science, philosophy, history, and international relations to describe theories or analyses based on Hobbes's ideas.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used metaphorically in highbrow journalism.
Technical
Used as a specific descriptor in political theory and philosophy.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hobbesian”
- Incorrect spelling: *Hobbesean, *Hobbesian.
- Misuse to mean simply 'old' or 'British' rather than relating to the specific philosophy.
- Using 'Hobbesian' as a general synonym for 'pessimistic' without the political theory link.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. While it describes a pessimistic view of human nature, it is a neutral academic descriptor of a philosophical position. Some see its advocacy for strong governance as a pragmatic necessity.
Yes, though less common. A 'Hobbesian' is a person who subscribes to the theories of Thomas Hobbes (e.g., 'He is a staunch Hobbesian').
It refers to a situation where two parties, driven by mutual fear and self-interest, are pushed towards conflict (arms race, pre-emptive strike) even when neither desires it, mirroring the 'state of war'.
'Machiavellian' focuses on cunning, deceit, and amoral pragmatism in politics to gain and maintain power. 'Hobbesian' focuses on the need for a powerful sovereign to control humanity's inherently selfish and violent nature to ensure security and order.
Relating to the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes or his theories.
Hobbesian is usually formal / academic in register.
Hobbesian: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒbziən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑːbziən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a Hobbesian choice (a choice between two equally undesirable alternatives)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Hobbes saw life as 'nasty, brutish, and short' – think of a HOBBit in a BESIEGED state, needing a strong king to survive.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE / SOCIETY IS A WAR (requiring a powerful ruler/LEVIATHAN as the peacekeeper).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'Hobbesian' most commonly used?